Chapter 233: Hashira 1
The air grew thick with reverence as the Hashira knelt one by one. Sanemi, ever the enforcer, grabbed Tanjiro by the shoulder and forced him down. "Show some respect, brat," he growled.
Tanjiro, though visibly startled, complied, bowing his head low. He clutched Nezuko's box tightly, his trembling hands a testament to his nervousness.
The tension shifted toward me as the Hashira turned their gazes, expecting me to follow suit. Gyomei, ever calm, softly murmured, "Show respect to the Master. It is only proper."
I tilted my head slightly, a faint smile tugging at my lips. "Respect, you say?" I murmured, my voice carrying just enough edge to hint at amusement.
Shalltear, hidden nearby with Lupusregina, stirred; she could barely contain murderous palpables even through her concealment. It was Lupusregina's calm hand on her shoulder that kept her from acting out.
I remained standing, unfazed by the weight of their gazes. "I've only ever kneeled before one being," I said, my tone conversational, "and she is no longer someone I bow to—but rather, my partner."
Of course, I was talking about death.
Sanemi's teeth clenched audibly. "You arrogant—"
"Enough, Sanemi," Gyomei interjected, his voice firm but measured. "This is not the time to let tempers flare."